Alabama's 20 hottest new restaurants in 2016

2016 was a great year for Alabama food. From new oyster bars to international fare to restaurants with a view, the Heart of Dixie had some pretty amazing restaurants open this year. But which were the hottest? AL.com writers from across the state weighed in to name their favorites. As always, let us know in the comments what we got right -- and what we got wrong. So, let's get on with it. Here are the year's hottest restaurants (in no order):

There's a reason it's hard to get a table at this Avondale hotspot. The oyster bar/burger joint, which opened in March, serves up some seriously creative dishes. A few must tries? The daily fresh oyster offerings, which includes baked oysters topped with chorizo and white cheddar polenta.

Dauphin's easily has one of the best views in the state -- it provides a spectacular panoramic view of the Mobile Bay that's worth the price of food. But luckily, the food's pretty darn tasty, too. You'll find plenty of fresh seafood options and the perfect weekend brunch. (Courtesy photo)

Located on the beautiful Riverwalk, River brought more fine dining options to Tuscaloosa this year. With an emphasis on fresh ingredients and Southern cuisine -- plus an ideal location that's just minutes from Bryant-Denny Stadium -- we were super happy to see River enter the dining scene. (Facebook photo)

When Hot Diggity Dogs opened during the summer, all of the buzz was about the restaurant's crazy combinations. And with menu offerings such as dogs slathered with pimento cheese or gravy, you'll definitely find some unique food. But if hot dogs are far too sacred for you to experiment, then you'll find plenty of old-fashioned options sure to make even the most hot dog purists happy. Read more about Hot Diggity Dogs here. (Photo by Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)

Earlier this year Hattie B's introduced the Ham to fiery chicken, and our lives haven't been the same. You can choose the heat level -- from mild to "shut the cluck up" -- but warning: If you order the hottest option, you will cry. A lot. (One more tip: Try the pimento mac and cheese. Trust us.) Read more about Hattie B's here.

Open since January, Woodlawn Cycle Cafe has some of the city's best coffee -- but it's much more than that. The cafe also serves one of the Magic City's tastiest brunches on Saturday and Sunday, and has a nightly special that's sure to impress. Read more about it here. (Photo by Stephen DeVries for Birmingham Magazine)

Holler and Dash, the new fast-casual breakfast and lunch chain from Cracker Barrel, opened its first restaurant in Homewood. The restaurant has a menu consisting of seriously legit, large biscuits with fun combos such as andouille and cheddar and fried pork tenderloin, blackberry butter and onion straws. Seriously tasty food. (Another Holler and Dash was opened in Tuscaloosa this summer.) Read about five Holler and Dash dishes you must try here. (Photo by Tamika Moore/tmoore@al.com)

The Georgia burger chain opened its first Alabama location in February (a Birmingham Farm Burger is planned for 2017), and we haven't been able to look at burgers the same way. The grass-fed patties smothered with local ingredients aren't your grandma's burgers -- and that's a good thing. Read more about Farm Burger here. (Photo by Matt Wake/mwake@al.com)

Auburn's already-tasty dining scene got even better this summer with the addition of Tuco's Tex-Mex. With a menu that boasts of items such as barbecue quesadillas and brisket enchiladas, you'll definitely find something creative there. Bonus: There are two patios, so it's the perfect place to sip on a marg on a sunny day. (Facebook photo)

Yep, healthy food does taste good, and Fountain of Youth Superfoods -- aka FOY -- proves it. You can stop in for your juice fix, but don't overlook the food -- the small menu is packed with delicious items, and there are plenty of add-on options so you can customize your order. Read more here. (Photo by Michelle Matthews/mmatthews@al.com)

Real & Rosemary serves up healthy, hearty meals made up of fresh ingredients. And not only is the food super delish, but the atmosphere is inviting: With cozy features and terrific service, you'll feel right at home in the Homewood restaurant. Read more about Real & Rosemary here. (Photo by Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)

CHOPCHOP is Rocket City's latest dining obsession, and we can see why: You can choose your own fresh seasonal salad, or you can build-your-own. (One standout: The Sweet Home Alabama, which consists of roasted sweet potatoes, local goat cheese, roasted chicken and more.) Also on tap: Piper & Leaf artisan teas. (Facebook photo)

Downtown Huntsville definitely got cooler in April, when Pints and Pixels opened in the former Crossroads Music Hall. The '80s-inspired restaurant and bar has more than 50 vintage arcade games and a menu consisting of delicioius comfort food such as the meatloaf sandwich. This is definitely a place for either family or a night out with friends. Read more about the opening here.

Ang Bahay Kubo, which opened in August, is Mobile's first Filipino restaurant -- and probably won't be the last, if this food is any indication. Make sure to try the lumpia, which are small, flavorful eggrolls. Read more here. (Photo by Michelle Matthews/mmatthews@al.com)

Harvest Restaurant and Bar -- located in the renovated Redmont Hotel downtown -- serves elegant food in an even more elegant environment. From filet to seafood to beautiful cocktails, you'll find something you love there. (Facebook photo)

Yeah, Dolce Pan Bakery doesn't look like much from the outside. Located in a nondescript strip mall off Governors Drive, it's not the prettiest restaurant on this list. But the Puerto Rican bakery serves up some of the tastiest -- and most massive -- sandwiches you've ever had, at an even better price. Make sure to order some of the Cuban expresso after your meal to help you with your food coma afterward. Read more about the restaurant here. (Photo by Matt Wake/mwake@al.com)

La Taste just opened shop late this year but is already creating a buzz. And they picked the perfect time to open: During the cold winter months, nothing tastes better than their pho and noodle bowls. (Facebook photo)

Don't Edit

Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com

Ruby Slipper Cafe

24151 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach. Find their website here.

You may already know Ruby Slipper from its four locations across New Orleans. Luckily, the restaurant opened up its first Alabama location this year in Orange Beach, so we don't have to travel to the Crescent City to order their tasty barbecue shrimp and grits. (Photo by Brian Kelly/bkelly@al.com)